Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso says João Pedro, Reece James and Moisés Caicedo remain in contention for Friday night’s Premier League trip to Brentford, with final decisions to be made after the club’s last training session.
The Blues travel to the Gtech Community Stadium looking to return to winning ways after a 2-2 draw with Hull City at Stamford Bridge last weekend. Chelsea confirmed that no member of Alonso’s squad had been definitively ruled out going into matchday.
Pedro had raised concerns after withdrawing from Brazil’s squad for the upcoming international break, while James missed the start of Chelsea’s training session on Tuesday. Alonso said both players would be assessed before the team is selected.
“We will see if Joao is ready to play, it’s a possibility,” Alonso said, adding that James’ absence from part of Tuesday’s training was a planned decision rather than confirmation that the defender would miss the Brentford game.
Pedro has started the season strongly, recording three goals and three assists in Chelsea’s opening four Premier League matches. His availability would give Alonso another attacking option for a fixture in which either Chelsea or Brentford could move into third place before the remainder of the weekend programme.
There was also encouragement over Caicedo, who has been limited to a brief appearance against Brighton and Hove Albion this season after dealing with a calf problem. Alonso said the Ecuador international was “getting closer” to a return but stopped short of confirming he would be included against Brentford
Marco Palestra and Jordan Henderson are also being assessed and could potentially make their Chelsea debuts. Alonso said he would wait for the final training session before deciding whether either player is ready to be included in the matchday squad.
Chelsea face an unbeaten Brentford side that have drawn their last three Premier League matches. The game kicks off at 8pm UK time on Friday, September 18.
